It’s been ages since I wrote about food, and almost as long since I had a chance to really cook. Finally, there are a few weeks where I’ll be at home and so can invite friends over to eat, and sample my favourite summer cocktail, ‘The Hugo Spritz’.

So, instead of telling you what to wear and what goes well with what, I thought I’d give you some summer recipes that are simple but stunning. This first one you prepare before as it needs some chill time. I time this with two of the afore mentioned Spritz. Yes, that is an official measurement of time!

Recipe 2: Seafood Risotto

You'll need a handful of mixed seafood per person and half a cup of rice. You will also need a glass or two of white wine and a half cup of Sambuca, a squeeze of tomato puree and a pint of vegetable stock ready.

Saute a diced red onion in butter, add the rice and coat. Pour over a little Sambuca and stir in. Add wine, stock and Sambuca alternately till all liquid has been absorbed and the rice is almost cooked. Add a squirt of tomato paste and the seafood and cook through once the rice is done. You can also just put it all in a heavy-lidded pan and place in the oven or on the hob of the BBQ and stir occasionally.

It’s been ages since I wrote about food, and almost as long since I had a chance to really cook. Finally, there are a few weeks where I’ll be at home and so can invite friends over to eat, and sample my favourite summer cocktail, ‘The Hugo Spritz’.

So, instead of telling you what to wear and what goes well with what, I thought I’d give you some summer recipes that are simple but stunning. This first one you prepare before as it needs some chill time. I time this with two of the afore mentioned Spritz. Yes, that is an official measurement of time!

Or else you could check out our website and shop for a couple of cheeky new items to add your collection.

Recipe 1: Avocado Mousse

Prepare 1 ripe avocado, the juice of half a lemon, 1 tblsp honey and a half cup of fresh pressed apple juice plus a sheet of gelatine/2 tsp agar agar for 2 people.

Soak the gelatine/agar agar in water. Add all ingredients into a food processor and then sieve to remove any lumps.

Squeeze out the gelatine and add this to the sieved mixture. Pour into a siphon and chill for about 2 hours. Then squirt artistically and serve along side or on top of the seafood risotto below.

(If you don’t have a siphon, you can just pop in ice cube trays and allow to set.) It looks and tastes awesome on the second recipe I’m sharing.

Recipe 2: Seafood Risotto

You'll need a handful of mixed seafood per person and half a cup of rice. You will also need a glass or two of white wine and a half cup of Sambuca, a squeeze of tomato puree and a pint of vegetable stock ready.

Saute a diced red onion in butter, add the rice and coat. Pour over a little Sambuca and stir in. Add wine, stock and Sambuca alternately till all liquid has been absorbed and the rice is almost cooked. Add a squirt of tomato paste and the seafood and cook through once the rice is done. You can also just put it all in a heavy-lidded pan and place in the oven or on the hob of the BBQ and stir occasionally.

The flavours will blow you away – and it makes a nice change from salad or the usual BBQ food!

And if cooking is not something you enjoy doing, maybe some retails therapy will do the trick! Shop online from the comfort of your own home or visit our shops across Malta and Gozo.